Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney pledged to use Canada's 2025 G7 Presidency as a platform to catalyze action in defense of shared values, with a specific focus on protecting the rules-based international order from threats aimed at undermining it. This promise emphasized proactive leadership in international forums to promote stability, cooperation, and resistance against authoritarian disruptions.

Actions Taken During the G7 Presidency

Canada assumed the G7 Presidency in 2025, hosting the Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17. Prime Minister Carney outlined priorities ahead of the event, including strengthening global economic security, supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts, and fostering partnerships with emerging economies. These aligned with defending democratic values and the rules-based order, particularly in response to geopolitical tensions such as Russia's actions in Ukraine and trade disputes.

At the summit, leaders discussed defense spending, border security, artificial intelligence, and energy security, resulting in commitments like up to $544 million in portfolio guarantees for multilateral development banks to aid developing countries, and $290 million over five years for the International Assistance Innovation Program to mobilize private investments toward sustainable development goals. These measures aimed to bolster economic resilience and international cooperation, directly addressing threats to the global order.

Carney emphasized cooperation in a "dangerous and divided world," highlighting support for Ukraine and new partnerships as key outcomes. Despite challenges, including U.S. President Trump's early departure and tensions over trade tariffs, the summit was praised for its pragmatism and for advancing shared priorities like upholding the United Nations Charter.

Efforts to Protect the Rules-Based International Order

The promise specifically mentioned working to protect the rules-based international order from those seeking to destroy it. Carney's government used the presidency to reinforce this through diplomatic engagements and announcements. For instance, discussions on supporting Ukraine served as a stand against violations of international norms, while initiatives for innovative financing promoted equitable global development, countering isolationist or authoritarian influences.

Carney also managed a complex guest list, including outreach to non-G7 nations, to build broader coalitions. Post-summit analyses noted that Canada successfully navigated diplomatic challenges, such as Middle East conflicts and trade wars, to secure agreements on peace, energy security, and new partnerships, thereby catalyzing action against disruptors of the international system.

Related Legislation and Policy Measures

While the promise centered on diplomatic and summit-based actions rather than domestic legislation, Carney's government tied it to broader policy commitments. Prior to the summit, Carney committed to meeting NATO's 2% defense spending benchmark by 2030, which was discussed at the G7 in the context of collective security. No new legislation was passed directly tied to the G7 outcomes by August 2025, but the summit's commitments influenced ongoing federal budget allocations for international assistance and defense, as outlined in backgrounders from the Prime Minister's Office.

These policy steps, including funding announcements, represent executive actions rather than parliamentary bills, focusing on implementing the promise through foreign policy rather than legislative processes.

Assessment of Progress

The G7 Summit has concluded, with tangible outcomes like financial commitments and diplomatic agreements that advanced the defense of values and the rules-based order. Expert assessments described the event as successful, noting Carney's role in guiding discussions through geopolitical tensions. However, ongoing global challenges, such as persistent trade disputes and conflicts, mean that the long-term impact remains to be fully realized.

Overall Status

This promise is kept.